Investment will enable high-intent dating app to build its presence in Tier-II markets nationwide and position itself as the app of choice for NRIs across the world
Bengaluru, NFAPost: Aisle, India’s second most downloaded dating app and the market leader in high-intent dating receives love from investors yet again this Valentine’s Day. It has closed its pre-Series A funding round.
Led by Anas Rahman, Founder & MD of Hurun India, and Vinod Jose, Founder of seed funding firm Konglo Ventures, the round also saw the participation of a number of existing investors and other angel investors. The undisclosed sum will be deployed by the Bengaluru-based firm to help drive Aisle’s strategy of entering Tier-II markets across India, as well as expand its reach in major NRI markets.
Commenting on the announcement, Aisle Founder and CEO Able Joseph said he is proud to have introduced a high-intent dating product exclusively for Indians in 2014.
“Back then, only Tier-I cities were ready for our product, dating etiquette was far from where it has reached today. But things have changed since the lockdown, Tier-II cities are showing growing acceptance to technology and its use in their daily lives. This fundraise will help us execute some of our plans for Bharat and help young Indians in their late 20s and 30s meet someone special while also honouring our traditions,” said Able Joseph.
Aisle’s previous round of funding was announced exactly 4 years ago, 14th of February, 2017 (Valentine’s Day), led by investors including CIO Angel Network and Konglo Ventures. The company turned EBITDA positive shortly after and has recorded 85.24% CAGR over the last 3 financial years. In the time since, Aisle has cemented its position as the app of choice for high-intent daters in the nation’s metros.
Sharing his insights, Hurun India Founder & MD Anas Rahman stated the Indian dating industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world and the fact that Aisle addresses high-intent dating specifically helps them stand out from the clutter.
“We believe Able and his team is working on a sustainable solution that could potentially transform the Indian dating industry,” said Anas Rahman.
Konglo Ventures Founder Vinod Jose said it has been a privilege to have a courtside seat over the last 4 years to watch how Able and his fantastic team at Aisle have created a space for themselves in one of Internet’s oldest sectors.
“It is not often you come across a founder that truly cares about solving a problem to its fullest extent,” added Vinod Jose. This is reflected in the way Aisle approaches the unique dating landscape in modern India by creating a memorable experience for young Indians in finding meaningful relationships or life partners,” said Konglo Ventures Founder Vinod Jose.
“I am excited to continue supporting them as they prepare for their next growth phase and continue to solve a major problem in the lives of young aspiring Indians,” said Vinod Jose.
Aisle is an app that connects people of Indian-origin from around the world, who are looking for serious relationships. Amongst the top 5 grossing dating apps in India, Aisle is the only brand built by Indians and it competes with billion-dollar companies like Tinder, Bumble etc.
Over the last two quarters, Aisle saw more downloads than Bumble and became the second most popular dating app in India. Aisle also recently integrated interact before matching feature, ‘Rooms’, on its app. As a leader in high-intent space, Aisle launched ‘Concierge’, a priority based matchmaking by browsing through a collection of handpicked profiles on its app.
Based out of Bangalore, Aisle is India’s market leader in high-intent dating apps, built for Indians by Indians. Designed for people of Indian-origin from around the world who are looking for serious relationships, Aisle has staked its claim to the middle ground between traditional matrimonial websites and casual dating apps.
Aisle is uniquely customised for Indian sensitivities. Through its proprietary algorithm, Aisle empowers its users to celebrate their diversity by prioritising results based on the things that matter most to them – from mother tongue to hobbies and interests. Today Aisle has acquired over 3 million users, 9 percent of whom are NRIs from across 100 countries. Aisle’s unique approach to romance has made it the fastest growing dating app in India.
